After years on the run, Osama bin Laden was finally brought to justice Sunday night. On behalf of all Texans, I’d like to extend our gratitude to the brave men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to tracking this individual down, particularly the members of our valiant special forces who flew into harm’s way Sunday to finally put an end to bin Laden’s murderous reign. Our thoughts and prayers remain with those who will continue to wage our global fight on terror, placing their own lives on the line to keep us safe back here at home.

Lt. Governor David Dewhurst put out this statement.

I salute President Bush, President Obama, the brave men and women of the United States military and our intelligence community who never gave up on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice for the deaths of 3,000 innocent Americans on 9-11.

"The demise of bin Laden sends a clear message to al-Qaeda and the enemies of freedom still seeking to do harm to America. We will never forget 9-11 and we will not rest until we bring justice to those responsible.

Former President George W. Bush, who now lives in the Dallas area, released this statement.

Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.

The face of evil have been eradicated thanks to American forces' dogged pursuit of justice. The Twin Towers may no longer stand, but American justice--and exceptionalism--will forever prevail. We will never forget.

"Our mission has always been to take down Osama bin Laden, leader of al-Qaeda, the terrorist network that killed thousands of innocent Americans on September 11, 2001. That mission has now been accomplished through the patience and steadfast determination of our military, our intelligence officials, and the united leadership of Presidents Bush and Obama. Now we must continue to dismantle this and other terrorist networks that attempt to destroy freedom and human rights throughout the world."

"While this is a historic day, Osama bin Laden will no doubt become immortalized in the eyes of al Qaeda and other radical Islamist groups that have continued to plot against us. Because of this I am concerned that the threat to the United States and to our presence overseas may escalate in the near term. Although we have not experienced mass loss of life in nearly 10 years, the United States has endured more than two dozen terror plots over just the past two years inspired by radicals who have followed in bin Laden's footsteps. Americans must remain vigilant. We must not ignore the threat that still exists."

U.S. Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement this morning:

"Let this serve as a grave reminder to all those who wish to do our nation harm: If you murder Americans, you will be hunted, you will be found and you will be brought to justice. I commend the military and intelligence professionals whose tremendous efforts ended the reign of this terrorist mastermind.